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Céline Dion is not only fighting her own battle against stiff person syndrome, but also paving the way for a brighter future for those affected by this rare and debilitating neurological disorder. The singer’s foundation has just dropped a major bombshell, gifting a whopping $2 million to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where Dion herself is receiving treatment.
This generous donation will fuel groundbreaking research into stiff person syndrome and related autoimmune neurological diseases, putting Dr. Amanda Piquet, Dion’s physician and an associate professor of neurology, at the forefront of this critical field. The funding will establish the “Céline Dion Foundation Endowed Chair in Autoimmune Neurology,” a powerful symbol of Dion’s commitment to finding answers.
Dr. Piquet, a leading expert in the field, has been working closely with Dion since her diagnosis in 2022. She’s not only treating the singer but also learning invaluable insights from her experience, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the disease. Piquet highlights the challenges of diagnosing and treating neurological disorders like stiff person syndrome, as they affect each individual differently. This unique perspective fuels her research, driving her to unravel the mysteries of the disease and find better treatments.
Dion’s donation is a game-changer, not only for research but also for raising awareness of stiff person syndrome. The singer’s high profile is shining a spotlight on this often-overlooked condition, encouraging people to ask questions and seek answers. As Dr. Piquet emphasizes, “Céline is really bringing this public awareness to the disease, which is truly step one to learning more about it.”
